Even the most flawless skin requires some skin care. But with so many different products on the market and so many brands for each, the choice of what you apply to your skin every day can be overwhelming. That’s why you want to get down to basics. While it is tempting to try out new products – and there’s no reason that you shouldn’t – there essentially are just a handful of products that you need for an effective skin care regimen: cleanser, moisturizer, exfoliator, anti-aging product such as a retinol and sunscreen. As you explore the many options among these product categories, consider the following:
Cleanser: Never underestimate the importance of a cleanser. Taking good care of your skin requires removing makeup and dirt, oil and other debris that your skin accumulates during the course of the day. Cleaning your skin each day removes these impurities and also enables other face care products you apply to penetrate properly.
Your skin type will influence the type of cleanser you choose. If you have normal to dry skin, Skintour recommends you’ll want to be sure to uses a cleanser that doesn’t dry out or strip the oil from your skin. If your skin is oily, choose a cleanser especially formulated for oil skin. You also will want to wash your face twice a day instead of just once.
Moisturizer: There are a number of reasons why you need to moisturize your face. Good Housekeeping explains that a moisturizer helps to support a healthy skin barrier. When the skin barrier is compromised, the skin becomes dry and that actually indicates a low-grade inflammation is occurring. Low levels of ongoing inflammation breakdown collagen, which accelerates aging. Also dehydrated skin makes lines and wrinkles more prominent. Choose a moisturizer from a gel, lotion or light cream. For very dry skin, consider a heavy cream.
Exfoliator: When you exfoliate, you are actually removing dead skin cells that lie on the surface of the skin. Removing these dead cells makes skin softer and smoother. Also once these dead skin cells are removed, it’s easier for facial or body care products to penetrate the surface of the skin. In a similar way, exfoliating can even help makeup blend into your skin better.
Exfoliants include both chemical and physical types. Chemical exfoliants, the most common of which are Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), dissolve dead skin cells and any dirt and oil that bind these cells to your skin, explains My Beauty Bunny. AHAs are best for dry, sun damaged skin since they also help moisture. BHAs are best for oily or acne prone skin. Physical exfoliants use particles to slough away dead skin cells. Ingredients can include oatmeal, salt, sugar or apricot kernels, for example. Be careful when exfoliating facial skin to use gentle abrasive to avoid micro-tears in the skin.
Another benefit of exfoliation is collagen production. Collagen is the protein in skin that gives it strength and durability.
Anti-aging: Another way to encourage collage production is through the use of retinol skin care products, such as True Results Retinol Active Skincare. Retinols achieve their anti-aging results by protecting skin from free radicals and prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die rapidly so that new skin cells can grow. Retinols also slow down the breakdown of collagen.
Sunscreen: When it comes to the environment, nothing is more damaging then the sun. Its UV rays destroy collagen and elastin, which leads to wrinkles. A study reported in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigative Dermatology conducted on 298 women from 30 to 78 found that UV exposure seems to be responsible for 80% of visible facial aging signs, including wrinkles. Regarding the type of sunscreen to use, Skintour suggests:
- For oily skin, choose a powder or very light lotion for your sunscreen.
- For normal skin, choose a lotion or a light cream, and for dry skin, a rich cream.
- For mature and drier skin, look for a sunscreen that adds some repair to it.
Also consider, True Results Sunblock SPF 50. Ultra-sheer, hydrating Sunblock SPF 50 with zinc oxide is specifically designed to replenish skin moisture while providing daily protection from environmental elements that cause sun damage. The light texture cream with a silky smooth feel applies invisibly and dries to a matte finish for the perfect under makeup application.
You don’t need a lot of products to have glowing, healthy- looking skin. You just need the right ones.